When shopping for a new bed in the UK, you’ll often encounter two very different sleep systems from Silentnight: the silent night memory foam mattress category and the hybrid models (memory foam combined with springs). Both address comfort and support, but they do so in distinct ways. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right model for your body, sleep style and budget.
In this article we’ll explore what makes a Silentnight memory foam mattress unique, what the hybrid versions offer, and help you decide which is best for your needs.
What Defines a Silentnight Memory Foam Mattress?

When you search for a silent night memory foam mattress, you’re looking at models that rely primarily on visco-elastic (memory) foam layers to provide comfort and contouring. Key features of Silentnight’s memory foam offerings include:
- Foam layers that mould to the body, reducing pressure on hips/shoulders.
- Gel-infused foam to improve heat dissipation.
- Typically a single-sided mattress (no flipping) with instructions to rotate regularly.
- Sizes including single, double, king size and super king size.
Key benefits of a silent night memory foam mattress:
- Excellent body contouring: the foam conforms around your shape.
- Reduced motion transfer (since foam layers absorb movement).
- High comfort for side sleepers and those with joint pressure issues.
Potential drawbacks:
- Some memory-foam mattresses can retain heat (though Silentnight’s Memory Cool addresses this).
- May feel “sink-in” rather than “on top of” sleep surface (preference-dependent).
- Depending on base support and foam density, sagging may occur sooner than hybrid options.
What Defines a Silentnight Hybrid Mattress?
On the other hand, when you look at a silent night memory foam mattress comparison with hybrid models, you are seeing a combination of foam comfort with spring support.

Benefits of a hybrid include:
- Better support for back and stomach sleepers who need more firm structure.
- Balanced feel: the top foam comfort with a firmer spring base.
- Cooler sleep surface due to better airflow through springs.
- Often more suitability for couples (less motion transfer than many spring-only beds, better support than some foam-only).
Potential drawbacks:
- Can cost more than foam-only versions.
- Some of the “pure foam” feel is reduced by the spring unit (may be preference-dependent).
- Heavier and deeper mattress may require stronger bed base.
Comparison Table
Here’s a clear table exploring how a silent night memory foam mattress compares with a hybrid version from Silentnight:
| Feature | Silentnight Memory Foam Mattress | Silentnight Hybrid Mattress |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort Feel | Soft, body-hugging contour | Medium-firm, balanced support |
| Support System | 100% foam layers | Foam + pocket springs |
| Cooling | Can retain heat slightly | More breathable due to coils |
| Motion Isolation | Excellent | Very good but with slight bounce |
| Durability | 7–8 years | 8–10 years with proper care |
| Price Range (UK) | Generally lower | Slightly higher due to spring system |
Which Should You Choose? Memory Foam or Hybrid?
Choosing between a memory foam and a hybrid mattress depends on your comfort needs, sleep position, and the level of support you prefer.
1. Your Sleep Position & Body Type
- If you are a side sleeper with joint or shoulder pressure, a silent night memory foam mattress may give better comfort and contouring.
- If you are a back or stomach sleeper, or you weigh over average (100 kg+), a hybrid will likely provide more robust support and less “sink-in”.
- If you change positions frequently (combination sleeper), a hybrid gives the best balance of contouring + structure.
2. Hot Sleepers vs Cool Sleepers
- Memory foam alone can trap heat unless advanced cooling features are included.
- Hybrid models often provide better airflow due to coil structure, making the silent night memory foam mattress vs hybrid decision important if you sleep hot.
3. Budget and Value
- Foam-only models tend to be less costly since you remove large spring units and focus on foam technology.
- Hybrid models cost more, but offer better edge support and might last longer structurally due to spring base. That means better value in the long-run for some buyers.
4. Motion Transfer & Couples
- Both models can offer good motion isolation. Foam-only might have slight advantage for very light sleepers.
- Hybrid models, especially with individually pocketed springs, are excellent for couples needing support + minimal side movement. For example, the Memory Cool 1000 hybrid model lists reduced “roll-together” and partner disturbance.
5. Bed Base Compatibility & Thickness
- Foam-only models may be lighter, shallower, and compatible with basic bases.
- Hybrid models are deeper and heavier: ensure your bed frame/divan can support the additional weight and depth.
Buying Checklist
When comparing a silent night memory foam mattress or hybrid, use this checklist:
- Foam type and density (for foam models)
- Spring count and zone support (for hybrid models)
- Cooling technology (Memory Cool™, breathable cover)
- Edge support and perimeter stability
- Motion isolation ratings or partner disturbance notes
- Warranty & sleep trial period
- Compatibility with your bed base
- Depth and weight (especially for heavy frames/bedrooms)
- Suitable firmness for your sleep position
Common Misconceptions

- “Memory foam always means soft” → Not always. The silent night memory foam mattress range includes medium-firm models.
- “Hybrid means springy like old beds” → Not true. Many hybrids (including Silentnight) use individually pocketed springs + foam layers to minimize “bounce” but enhance support.
- “Foam models are only for side sleepers” → While side sleepers benefit, quality foam models can support back sleepers if density/support core is adequate.
- “Hybrid always sleeps cooler” → Often yes due to airflow, but some hybrids may still use thick foam toppers that reduce airflow. Check specs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering a silent night memory foam mattress, you’ll likely get superb comfort and pressure relief, especially for side-sleepers or those wanting a “hug” feel. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a mattress for shared sleeping, multiple positions, firmer support or cooler sleep, a hybrid model from Silentnight may offer better all-round performance.
In the end, the decision between a silent night memory foam mattress and a hybrid should be guided by your sleep style, budget, and preferences for heat, support and motion transfer. Both types from Silentnight are high-quality, just designed for slightly different priorities.
FAQ’s
The memory foam model focuses on foam layers for contouring and comfort. The hybrid adds a spring support system beneath the foam, giving more structure and airflow.
A king-size memory foam mattress from Silentnight can offer excellent support, especially for side sleepers. But for heavier sleepers or back/stomach sleepers, the hybrid often provides stronger structural support.
Potentially yes. Foam-only models can trap more heat unless they include cooling tech. Hybrid versions tend to have better airflow via coils, making them cooler overall.
Yes, usually the single size foam-only mattress will be lighter and easier to handle than a hybrid version with springs and thicker depth.
Generally yes. Because of added spring systems and extra materials, hybrid models tend to be higher in price. But the extra cost may be justified by increased durability, support and features.